Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Dana is set to strike Odisha coast very soon, possibly in between Dhamra Port to Bhitarkanika after sunset or early tomorrow morning. The Meteorological Department has reported that the cyclone is currently positioned 370 km from Paradip, 400 km from Dhamra, and 460 km from Sagardwip, with landfall projected between 11:As of 30 p.m today and 5:30 a.m tomorrow.
This Wednesday, Dhamra, a coastal town has been experiencing down pouring and the worst has this morning come with increased wind strength and deteriorating weather. District administration has been operational all the time preparing for the worst that has not been long in coming after residents have been moved to relief shelters with essential commodities.
The Odisha government now awaits with the NDRF and SDRF teams prepared for any emergencies that cyclone might cause on Odisha. The region has been made peaceful as early evacuation drills have removed the vulnerable fragile populous from low land zones.
The latest cyclone so reminded me of cyclone Yaas that affected Dhamra a few years ago; it flooded most parts of the area. However, similar or most probably greater destruction as Cyclone Dana is expected to be unleashed later on. Most are concerned by extensive losses to both assets and the natural world, including the Bhitarkanika mangrove forest in close proximity.
There are comparing the losses in the preservation of crocodiles from this region to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans due to cyclone Bulbul. If Dana were to strike near Bhitarkanika again, the worst can be expected for the more animals and ecosystems of the region.
With the hog increasing, the coastal dwellers most especially those in Dhamra and the surrounding areas are waiting for the unleash of the storm, only hoping that its impact will be reduced due to preparations made.